Espresso, caffè normale, cappuccino; sometimes it seems that there are as many types of coffee in Italy as there are pastas. And just like pasta, Italian coffee is an art form with many customs and traditions. Whether it's a caffè corretto thrown back like a shot, a cappuccino and brioche for breakfast, or a granita di caffè con panna to cool off from the hot midday sun, in Italy there is a coffee drink specific for every time and mood.

The Perfect Tazza
Want to start a heated discussion in Italy? Ask a group of friends how to make a perfect cup of stove top espresso! There are fully automatic espresso makers, pump driven espresso machines, lever piston espresso machines, and, of course, the classic aluminum espresso coffee maker (also called a moka pot or The Moka Express), which was invented in the 1930's.

Italian coffee tifosiin search of the perfect cup will also debate various factors such as bean type, blade vs. burr grinders, tamp pressure, water temperature, and humidity. Caffeine junkies not only have their favorite local torrefazione (coffee house), but even prefer certain baristi because of their ability to deliver a perfect caffè espresso.

'S' Marks the Pot (of Coffee)
No one expects a first-time visitor to Italy to trill their r's like a native Italian speaker. But if you don't want to be labeled maleducato, when ordering a coffee in Italy it's espresso, not expresso. Both will quicken your heart rate, but an expresso is a fast train and an espresso is a small cup of very strong coffee. And caffè (with two f's) is both the beverage and the locale that serves it.